Bradford says he’s done all he can to be healthy
TEMPE, ARIZ. » If another injury comes, Sam Bradford says, there is nothing else he could have done in his preparation for the coming season to avoid it.
Approaching Sunday’s debut as Arizona Cardinals quarterback, Bradford said Wednesday his battered left knee “does feel as good as it has felt in a long time.”
“I’ve done everything in my power to put myself in this position,” he said. “If something happens and it doesn’t hold up, I’m going to hold my head high knowing that I put my body and myself in the best position to succeed.”
The Cardinals eased Bradford along, limiting his work in the offseason and giving him regular days off in the preseason. Now it’s time for the real thing, Bradford leading his fourth team in six seasons.
“I think he’s at a great place right now,” said coach Steve Wilks. “I talk to him daily just to see how he’s doing. Most importantly, just the mental aspect of it. From a physical standpoint, I think he’s great. I think the knee is strong. He’s at a good place right now and had a good practice today.”
Bradford, limited to 80 games in eight NFL seasons, has acknowledged going through a dark time after his latest injury, which sidelined him in the second game for Minnesota last season. He appreciates this chance to start again.
“At this time, you just realize how special each game is,” Bradford said. “It is truly a blessing to be out there every Sunday, every time that you get on the field with your teammates after having gone through some of the injuries that I have.
“Having not been able to be out there, I don’t think you take it for granted at all. You realize how special it is and how unique of a position we’re in to be able to do what we do and really with the mindset of just trying to make the most of it.”
The injuries have been well-documented for the player who was the No. 1 overall draft pick, by the St. Louis Rams, in 2010 after a stellar career at Oklahoma.
His first knee injury came seven games into the 2013 season. Another in a preseason game in 2014 wiped out that entire year. But he has shown how effective he can be when he is healthy. He played 15 games for the Vikings in 2016, completing 72 percent of his passes for a career-best 3,877 yards and 20 touchdowns with five interceptions.